Armstrong's Oprah confession his only option

Lance Armstrong pauses during an interview in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 15, 2011. In 2012, Armstrong decided to give up the battle against doping charges, saying "enough is enough" but acknowledging no wrongdoing. The move began his swift fall from being perhaps the nation's best-known cancer-fighting hero, and though he maintains he was victimized by a "witch hunt" he was still stripped of all seven of his Tour de France victories. (AP Photo/Thao Nguyen, File)

Photo By PETR MORRISON/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong during the opening session of the Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 24, 2009. Armstrong said Oct. 17, 2012, he is stepping down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer-fighting charity so the group can focus on its mission instead of its founder's problems. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong walks out of the Tour de France's anti-doping control bus July 24, 2002 after the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Les Deux Alpes and La Plagne, French Alps. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Associated Press

The front page of French sports daily l'Equipe reported Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005, that Lance Armstrong used the performance-enhancing drug EPO to win his first Tour de France title in 1999, a claim the seven-time American champion immediately denied. L'Equipe devoted four pages to its allegations, with the front-page headline "The Armstrong Lie". (AP Photo)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, carries the Stars and Stripes during a victory parade on the Champs Elysees after winning his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race in Paris, the French capital July 24, 2005. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Luke Armstrong, rear right, tries to touch the winner's trophy held by his father Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, after Armstrong won his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race, during ceremonies on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, after the 21st and final stage of the race between Corbeil-Essonnes, south of Paris, and the French capital, Sunday, July 24, 2005. Armstrong's twin daughters Grace, right, and Isabelle, look on. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Bernard Papon/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong holds the winner's trophy July 24, 2005 after claiming his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race during ceremonies on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris after the 21st and final stage of the race between Corbeil-Essonnes, south of Paris, and the French capital. (AP Photo/Bernard Papon, Pool)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Overall leader Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, surrounded by press photographers July 24, 2005, signals seven, for his seventh straight win in the Tour de France cycling race, prior to the start of the 21st and final stage of the race, between Corbeil-Essonnes, south of Paris, and the French capital. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By LAURENT REBOURS/Associated Press

Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong riding down the Champs Elysees with an American flag July 23, 2000 after the 21st and final stage of the cycling race in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, center, waves from the podium July 28, 2002 as he holds the winner's trophy, along with best sprinter Robbie McEwen, of Australia, right, and best climber Laurent Jalabert, of France, after the 20th and final stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Melun and Paris. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By ALESSANDRO TROVATI/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong signals seven for his seventh straight win in the Tour de France cycling race July 24, 2005, at the start of the 21st and final stage of the race between Corbeil-Essonnes, south of Paris, and the French capital. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

Photo By Peter Dejong/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, carries the United States flag July 24, 2005 during a victory parade on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, after winning his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong looking back on the podium July 25, 2010 after the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong holds his hand on his chest as he listens to national anthems July 25, 2004 after winning his sixth straight Tour de France race, in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By BERNARD PAPON/Associated Press

Overall leader Lance Armstrong, right, of Austin, Texas, follows compatriot and teammate Floyd Landis, left, in the ascent of the La Croix Fry pass during the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race July 24, 2004 between Bourg-d'Oisans and Le Grand Bornand, French Alps. (AP Photo/Bernard Papon)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, carries the United States flag during a victory parade on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, July 24, 2005, after winning his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Alessandro Trovati/Associated Press

Overall leader Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, crosses the finish line July 23, 2005 to win the 20th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, a 55.5-kilometer (34.5-mile) individual time trial looping around north of Saint-Etienne, central France. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Overall leader Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, signals seven for his seventh straight win in the Tour de France cycling race July 24, 2005, as he pedals during the 21st and final stage of the race between Corbeil-Essonnes, south of Paris, and the French capital. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

Alberto Contador, right, of Spain, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, looks at American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, as they climb Grand-Saint-Bernard pass July 21, 2009 during the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 159 kilometers (98.8 miles) which started in Martigny, Switzerland and finished in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, negotiates a curve as he enters Concorde square in Paris during the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race July 25, 2004 between Montereau, southeast of Paris, and the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Alessandro Trovati/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, toasts with champagne with Discovery team sports director Johan Bruyneel, left, July 24, 2005 during the 21st and final stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Corbeil-Essonnes and Paris. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

Photo By BERNARD PAPON/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, holds the winner's trophy as his son Luke, rear right, his twin daughters Grace, right, and Isabelle, look on, after winning his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race, during ceremonies on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, after the 21st and final stage of the race between Corbeil-Essonnes, south of Paris, and the French capital, in July 24, 2005. The Arc de Triomphe is seen behind. (AP Photo/Bernard Papon)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong strains as he passes Monaco's Casino during the first stage of the Tour de France cycling race, an individual time trial of 15.5 kilometers (9.63 miles) with start and finish in Moncao, Saturday July 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong holds the winner's trophy after winning his seventh straight Tour de France cycling race July 24, 2005, during ceremonies on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

US Postal Service team leader and five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, speaks on his cell phone July 12, 2004 prior to a training session with his teammates in Limoges, central France. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong stands on the podium July 25, 2010 after the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Peter Dejong/Associated Press

FILE - In this July 5, 2004, file photo, US Postal Service team leader and then a five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, sits by the registration bus prior to the second stage of the 91st Tour de France cycling race between Charleroi and Namur, Belgium. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against the seven-time Tour de France winner, questioning how he achieved those famous cycling victories. Armstrong, who retired from cycling last year, could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs. He maintained his innocence, saying: "I have never doped." (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

FILE - In this July 28, 2002, file photo, overall leader Lance Armstrong of Austin, Texas, toast team director Johan Bruyneel with a glass of champagne during the final stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Melun and Paris, France. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against the seven-time Tour de France winner, questioning how he achieved those famous cycling victories. Armstrong, who retired from cycling last year, could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs. He maintained his innocence, saying: "I have never doped." (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

U.S. Postal Service team leader and five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, third from right, framed by his teammates as the pack rides during the second stage of the 91st Tour de France cycling race July 5, 2004 between Charleroi and Namur, Belgium. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By Laurent Rebours/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line during the 19th stage of the Tour de France cycling race July 24, 2010, an individual time trial over 52 kilometers (32.3 miles), with a start in Bordeaux and finish in Pauillac, south western France. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong throws out his water bottle in the last kilometers of the climb toward Station les Rousses, France, July 10, 2010, during the seventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race. The New York Times reported Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, that Armstrong, who has strongly denied the doping charges that led to him being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, has told associates he is considering admitting to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong grimaces prior to the start of the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Wanze, Belgium, July 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By BAS CZERWINSKI/Associated Press

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong reacts as he answers questions of reporters July 17, 2009 prior to the start of the 13th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 200 kilometers (124.3 miles) with start in Vittel and finish in Colmar, central France. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong looks back on the podium July 25, 2010 after the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong guides his bicycle through the small crowd after his second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from professional cycling. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong negotiates the route on his way to a second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from professional cycling. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong negotiates the final turn on the way to his second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from professional cycling. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong turns on his way to a second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from professional cycling. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong, front, talks to reporters after his second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. Race-winner Keegan Swirbul, 16, of Aspen, left, clapso his hand. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from professional cycling. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong guides his bicycle down the steps after his second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from professional cycling. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong laughs while preparing to take part in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the starting line in Snowmass Village, Colo., early Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from the sport. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong prepares to take part in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the starting line in Snowmass Village, Colo., early Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The race is the first public appearance for Armstrong since the U.S. Anti-Doping Association stripped him of his seven Tour de France championships and banned him for life from the sport. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By Laurent Rebours/Associated Press

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong strains to take a fourth place July 3, 2010 during the prologue of the Tour de France cycling race in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Lance Armstrong during the official presentation of the Tour de France cycling teams July 31, 2010 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Photo By Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong grimacing July 6, 2010 prior to the start of the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Wanze, Belgium. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the US rides towards the Arc de Triomphe during the parade after the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 102.5 kilometers (63.7 miles) with start in Longjumeau and finish in Paris, France, Sunday, July 25, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the US holds flowers during the podium ceremony for the best team after the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 102.5 kilometers (63.7 miles) with start in Longjumeau and finish in Paris, France, Sunday, July 25, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Heather Leiphart/Associated Press

Former President George W. Bush, left, stands next to seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 at Big Bend Park, Texas. Bush and Armstrong took part in a 100 kilometer mountain bike ride with the servicemen who lost their limbs in war. (AP Photo/Odessa American, Heather Leiphart)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong on July 3, 2009, as he prepares to leave for a training in Monaco ahead of the start of the 96th edition of the Tour de France cycling race. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong of the US, right, stretches as he waits with his team on the podium prior to the start of the first stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 223,5 kilometers (139 miles) with start in Rotterdam, Netherlands and finish in Brussels, Belgium, Sunday July 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong of the US, center, reacts as he trains with his team on the outskirts of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Thursday July 1, 2010. The Tour de France cycling race starts on Saturday July 3, 2010, with an individual time trial over 8,9 kilometers (5.5 miles) in Rotterdam. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By Associated Press

American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line July 19, 2009 during 15th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 207.5 kilometers (129 miles) which started in Pontarlier, France and finished in Verbier, Switzerland. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Photo By NIcolai Dumitrache/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the US reacts after he crosses the finish with a delay following a crash during the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 189 kilometers (117.4 miles) with start in Station des Rousses, and finish in Morzine-Avoriaz, France, Sunday, July 11, 2010. Armstrong now ranks 39th with a delay of more than 13 minutes on new overall leader Cadel Evans of Australia. (AP Photo/Nicolai Dumitrache)

Photo By Laurent Rebours/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the US crosses the finish with a delay after he crashed during the eighth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 189 kilometers (117.4 miles) with start in Station des Rousses, and finish in Morzine-Avoriaz, France, Sunday, July 11, 2010. Armstrong now ranks 39th with a delay of more than 13 minutes on new overall leader Cadel Evans of Australia. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the US rides in the pack during the seventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Tournus and finish in Station des Rousses, France, Saturday, July 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Stage winner Mark Cavendish of Britain, center, talks to his teammates as he rides alongside Lance Armstrong of the US, left, during the sixth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 227.5 kilometers (141.4 miles) with start in Montargis and finish in Gueugnon, France, Friday, July 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the US, center, rides in the pack during the first stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 223.5 kilometers (139 miles) with start in Rotterdam, Netherlands and finish in Brussels, Belgium, Sunday July 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Damiano Cunego of Italy, Lance Armstrong of the US, and stage winner Pierrick Fedrigo of France, left to right, climb towards Tourmalet pass during the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 199.5 kilometers (124 miles) with start in Bagneres-de-Luchon and finish in Pau, Pyrenees region, France, Tuesday, July 20, 2010. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong of the US, center, trains with his teammates on the rest day of the Tour de France cycling race in Morzine-Avoriaz, France, Monday, July 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By Bas Czerwinski/Associated Press

A child looks at seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong of the US as he leaves for a training ride on the rest day of the Tour de France cycling race in Morzine-Avoriaz, France, Monday, July 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

Overall leader Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, pedals during the 20th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, a 55.5-kilometer (34.5-mile) individual time trial looping around north of Saint-Etienne, central France, Saturday, July 23, 2005. Armstrong won the stage. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By BAS CZERWINSKI/Associated Press

Vincenzo Nibali of Italy, right, and American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, left, exchange thanks as they crosses the finish line to win the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 169.5 kilometers (105.3 miles) with start in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and finish in Le Grand-Bornand, Alps region, France, Wednesday July 22, 2009. Both riders broke away from Armstrong's main contender for the second place overall, Bradley Wiggins of Britain. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By CHRISTOPHE ENA/Associated Press

American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, right, followed by Carlos Sastre of Spain, left, climbs uphill during the 14th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 199 kilometers (123.7 miles) with start in Colmar and finish in Besancon, eastern France, Saturday July 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Photo By BAS CZERWINSKI/Associated Press

American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, foreground, gestures as he rides with fellow countryman George Hincapie, rear, during the 13th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 200 kilometers (124.3 miles) with start in Vittel and finish in Colmar, central France, Friday July 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By BAS CZERWINSKI/Associated Press

American seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong strains as he rides in the pack during 11th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 192 kilometers (119.3 miles) with start in Vatan and finish in Saint-Fargeau, central France, Wednesday July 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

US Postal Service team leader Lance Armstrong, of Austin, Texas, reacts as he crosses the finish line to win, ahead of Italian Ivan Basso, unseen, the 13th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Lannemezan, southwestern France, and Plateau de Beille, Pyrenees mountains, Saturday, July 17, 2004. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Steve Ruark/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong competes in the Rev3 Half Full Triathalon Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By RICARDO MAZALAN/Associated Press

U.S. cyclist Lance Armstrong waving after receiving the bronze medal Sept. 30, 2000 in the men's individual time trials at the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Lance Armstrong competes in the Rev3 Half Full Triathalon Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By Steve Ruark/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line of the Rev3 Half Full Triathalon Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By Steve Ruark/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong crosses the finish line of the Rev3 Half Full Triathalon with his ten-year-old twin daughters Grace, left, and Isabelle, right, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By Steve Ruark/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong competes in the Rev3 Half Full Triathalon Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By Steve Ruark/Associated Press

Cancer survivor Jessica Protasio of Columbia, Md. picks up Lance Armstrong after he competed in the Rev3 Half Full Triathalon Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By Michael Thomas/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong speaks at the Livestrong Challenge Austin bike ride Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Austin, Texas. Lance Armstrong greeted about 4,300 cyclists at his Livestrong charity's fund-raising bike ride, then retreated into privacy as cycling officials prepare to announce if they will appeal his lifetime ban and loss of seven Tour de France titles ordered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.(AP Photo/Michael Thomas)

Lance Armstrong competes in the Rev3 Half Full triathalon Oct. 7, 2012 in Ellicott City, Md. Armstrong joined other cancer survivors in the event which raised funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Photo By Bradley C Bower/Associated Press

FILE- In this Aug. 22, 2010 file photo, cyclist Lance Armstrong, left, pedals off at the start of his Livestrong Challenge 10K ride for cancer in Blue Bell, Pa. Even after whistleblowers unveiled their scathing report portraying Armstrong as an unrepentant drug cheat, the argument over what to make of his life story rages on. (AP Photo/Bradley C. Bower, File)

Photo By PETER MORRISON/Associated Press

FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2009, file phot, cyclist Lance Armstrong signs autographs as he arrives to cycle around Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland. Over 1,000 riders turned out to cycle with Armstrong after he posted his cycle ride on twitter. Even after whistleblowers unveiled their scathing report portraying Armstrong as an unrepentant drug cheat, the argument over what to make of his life story rages on. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File)

Photo By Aman Sharma/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong speaking during the launch of the Livestrong Global Cancer campaign Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide, Australia, Jan. 19, 2009. Armstrong said Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, he is stepping down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer-fighting charity so the group can focus on its mission instead of its founder's problems. (AP Photo/Aman Sharma)

Photo By PETR MORRISON/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong arriving to open the Livestrong Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 24, 2009. Armstrong said Oct. 17, 2012, he is stepping down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer-fighting charity so the group can focus on its mission instead of its founder's problems. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Photo By PETER DEJONG/Associated Press

US Postal cycling team leader Lance Armstrong gets ready for a training ride ahead of the start of the Tour de France cycling race near Liege July 2, 2004. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency released a damning report last week containing testimony from former teammates and other witnesses against Armstrong, and has ordered that he be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. The international cycling federation is yet to indicate its next move. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Photo By Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Cycling legend and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong attends a rally at a news conference at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles on May 11, 2012 in favor of Proposition 29, a measure on the June 2012 California primary election ballot that would add a $1-per-pack tax on cigarettes. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Photo By David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong considers a question from a reporter Aug. 25, 2012 after his second-place finish in the Power of Four mountain bicycle race at the base of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Photo By Schalk van Zuydam/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong arriving at the start line of the Cape Argus Cycling race in Cape Town, South Africa on March 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)

Photo By ALESSANDRO TROVATI/Associated Press

FILE - This March 21, 2009 file photo shows Lance Armstrong, of the United States, beside fellow countryman George Hincapie, left, during the Milan-San Remo cycling classic in San Remo, Italy. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency says 11 of Lance Armstrong's former teammates testified against him in its investigation of the cyclist, revealing "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen." (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

American Lance Armstrong, who rides for Team Radio Shack, waves as he walks on stage after the South Australia premier thanked him for his support in the Tour Down Under cycling event at Adelaide, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/James Knowler)

Photo By James Knowler/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the United States, riding for Rdio Shack, gets ready for the Tour Down Under bicycle racing prologue at Adelaide, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011. (AP Photo/James Knowler)

Cyclist Lance Armstrong is tended to after crashing during the fifth stage of the Tour of California cycling race in the outskirts of Visalia, Calif., Thursday, May 20, 2010. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Photo By Jean-Christophe Bott/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong from team Radioshack, is on his way to 2nd placed at the 74nd Tour de Suisse during a 26,9 km race against the clock during the 9th and final stage from Liestal to Liestal, at the 74nd Tour de Suisse UCI ProTour cycling race, in Liestal, Switzerland, Sunday, June 20, 2010. (AP Photo/Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott)

Photo By Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

Lance Armstrong of the Radioshack team smiles as he stands on the podium after placing third general in the Tour de Luxembourg in Luxembourg, Sunday June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

More Information

How to watch

“Oprah and Lance Armstrong: The Worldwide Exclusive” will air at 8 tonight and Friday on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. The interview is scheduled to be simultaneously streamed both nights on Oprah.com

Confession is good for the soul. In the public arena, it's a must.

But when it comes to coming clean in highly publicized, polarizing and scandalous pop-culture imbroglios (national tragedies included), the answers rarely are satisfactory.

His highly anticipated, carefully stage-managed, and now predictably hyped, mea culpa for Oprah Winfrey will make for ratings and water cooler fodder regardless of his level of contrition. Compassion may be in a shorter supply.

Charles Kaufman, a senior lecturer at Texas State University and media/public relations expert, keeps tabs on such public confessions. He says Armstrong may draw millions of viewers when the interview airs tonight and Friday, but he's violated a cardinal rule of confession: come clean quickly.

“We've seen a lot of mea culpa statements that have come out in the last handful of years, and usually they're more effective when the statement is closely connected with the events,” Kaufman said.

“In other words, when you make an apology generally close to the accusation or the egregious flaw in character, then usually a mea culpa statement is very effective.”

Art Markman, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, says there are only two reasons why people confess. The first is because someone legitimately feels guilty.

“The other reason people confess is because they have to, because what other choice have they got? That's the situation that Lance Armstrong finds himself in,” Markman explained, predicting many won't be satisfied with Armstrong's answers, especially those feeling betrayed in cycling world.

History backs up Markman's view.

Actress Kristen Stewart apologized for cheating on her “Twilight” co-star and boyfriend. The tabloids ravaged her.

Tiger Woods chose to apologize as much to his sponsors as to his fans for cheating on his wife. He became the butt of late-night jokes.

David Letterman addressed affairs with female co-workers in the context of an on-air joke. It took a subsequent appearance to truly apologize and show contrition. The apology boosted viewership.

For many, Richard Nixon was still a crook after his David Frost interview. But it began his post-Watergate re-entry to public life as author and elder statesman.

President Bill Clinton first denied and then admitted his improper sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky. He was impeached. But that was then. Some credit his passionate convention speech for President Barack Obama's re-election.

But what can these public figures ever say, really? The acts speak for themselves.

As do the TV ratings.

The build-up to Armstrong's Oprah appearance is tailor-made for the 24-hour news cycle which hungered for something more than simply deny, deny, deny. And depending on what he says, he maybe has a chance for forgiveness — and perhaps a second act.

The disgraced cyclist is under tremendous media scrutiny, legal assault and coping with a public relations nightmare with financial implications — not only for his empire but for affiliated nonprofit, philanthropic efforts.

Not to mention facing Austin's embarrassment over its hero's fall from grace.

“There's no way to change that perception in people without coming clean,” Markman said. “If he did (cheat), the only way to change the way that people think about him is to admit to it. Moving on to a next act, conceptually, would be completely impossible without making some change in the way people are thinking about him.”

No matter what Armstrong says today and Friday when Winfrey's interview airs, he couldn't possibly address every single issue floating out there. Oprah acknowledged she didn't get to ask all the questions he wanted.

For Catholics, he says, it's a “deep down in the bottom of the heart” confession to God, a holy sacrament.

“You know what you're supposed to do. The conscience is telling you if you don't do this, you're not happy with yourself, and you're blaming the people around you,” Kurzaj said. “The truth will make you free ... but you don't have to present this stuff with the rest of the world. The confession in front of Oprah has nothing to do with what I'm talking about.”